The Official Newsletter of the SAARC • June-July 2015

ARRL Field Day 2015 • June 27–28 A fun time for the San Angelo Amateur Radio Club!

By Ken Grimm / KG5BPY OPERATIONS AT SAM’S CLUB What an experience! Club members quickly got the command tent relocated to It promised to be just a cool, breezy day — perfect for a higher ground after a torrential downpour earlier in the nice 2015 ARRL Field Day. A small rain storm with a well-defined rain shaft formed day. All of the equipment and public relations material got to the west and radar indicated it was passing over the Twin moved in time, and members bravely held on to the tents Buttes Reservoir, just a few miles away. during the high winds and pounding rain to keep them from Then a very small updraft formed to the north of the flying off into the Sam’s Club parking lot. staging site and began to grow. And grow. RAPIDLY started Despite the rough start thanks to Mother Nature, the club growing! got up and running quickly and made many contacts. A large rain event was developing and heading straight for ...Continued on page 3 Photo credit: David Wolfe/KA5VTG

www.w5qx.org Facebook: SJTAmateurRadioClub • TGC.ARES Concho Valley Two Meter Net Concho Valley This net meets every Monday night at 8:00 p.m. (2000) on 146.94/103.5 or 145.27/88.5 as an alternate repeater. All amateurs licensed to operate on that Open FM Repeaters frequency are invited to participate. 2 Meter *NCS = Net Control Station 145.27– San Angelo PL 88.5 Date NCS Check Ins Duration 146.88– San Angelo PL 88.5 (minutes) 146.94– San Angelo PL 103.5 147.06+ San Angelo No Tone 7/6 KB5FNK 13 12 147.30+ San Angelo PL 88.5 6/29 KB5FNK 14 10 146.72– Eldorado PL 100.00 6/15 KB5FNK 18 19 147.34+ Robert Lee PL 88.5 06/1 KB5FNK 15 15 146.90– Brady PL 162.2 147.36+ Brady PL 114.8 (Echo Link Node) Thank you! 147.39+ Eden PL 114.8 From Beth Lehmann 70 centimeters (Note: Ralph Stout/KA5ULE 441.750+ San Angelo PL 162.2 and Ken Grimm/KG5BPY gave 442.250+ San Angelo PL 162.2 presentations to teachers and 444.225+ Robert Lee PL 162.2 administrators at the STEM (Science, 444.350+ San Angelo PL 162.2 Technology, Engineering and 444.875+ Brady PL 162.2 Mathematics) Conference. This is a nice note received from the promoters of the event.) 6 Meter The Region 15 STEM Committee would like to thank you for making 53.63– San Anglo PL 88.5 our first STEM Expo a great success. Time and effort put into your Linked to 442.25 Repeater D-Star presentation was truly valued and appreciated. We hope that you will join us again at next year’s STEM Expo August 1st and 2nd, 2016. 444.550+ KG5CNG

San Angelo Amateur Radio Club Officers Lake President: Hughbert Robinson/KC5NPC Nasworthy Vice President: David Behrend/KF5FNK Secretary/Treasurer: Bob Freeman/KD5PIX Activity Director: Ken Grimm/KG5BPY Emergency Coordinator: Bill Hinds/KG5BQF Grounds Chairman: Ralph Stout/KA5ULE Appointed Positions SAARC Trustee: Charlie Campbell/KC5EZZ Registered Agent: Charlie Campbell/KC5EZZ Public Information Officer: Matt Healy/W5MAT < 5513 Stewart Lane Mailing Address P.O. Box 4002 Club House Location San Angelo, TX 76902-4002 5513 Stewart Lane, Mathis Field, San Angelo, TX

Page 2 • March 2015 www.w5qx.org A storm cell producing torrential downpour makes a bee line straight for the 2015 ARRL Field Day staging site at the corner of Southland and Sherwood Way at Sam’s Club. Members were able to secure all of the electronics and informational material before the downpour began. The dignity of the members took a hit when all got soaked to the bone being pummeled by high winds and rain, holding on to the tents to keep them from flying away. Photo credit: Ken Grimm/KG5BPY the staging site (see photo above). all were on batteries, generators, solar power or wind power. Mike Dominy/KD5URW, site coordinator, started This national exercise tested our equipment and capabilities directing the members on how to secure the site for what as well as honed our communication skills over the air. In was coming. Members scrambled to get equipment and all addition, Glenn Miller/AA5PK talked with satellites and of the informational collateral in safe places, out of the path ...Continued on next page of the oncoming rain storm. Everyone went into overdrive and got the site as secure as SAARC Field Day Video it could be, and then the outflow winds hit and then the rains. Check out the awesome video put together by club member Lots of rain. Pouring rain. Driving rain. David Wolfe/KA5VTG! The tent stakes came out of the ground and the wind Click here to enjoy > https://www.youtube.com/ strained the tents against the poles — members grabbed the watch?v=meCb1IgNgRI poles and held on for a wild ride that seemed to last forever — it was really about 15-20 minutes — but seemed like it would never stop. In that short time, at least 2 inches of rain was delivered, flooding the surrounding streets and leaving significant standing water at the site. It was several hours later before the site was dry enough to move the entire operation to a different, higher area of the lot. W5QX was finally on the air, making contacts! All of the radios used in the exercise operated “off the electrical grid.” None were plugged into an electrical outlet,

www.w5qx.org March 2015 • Page 3 tried contacting the International Space Station. having fun. After the reset after the visit from Mother Nature, radios At the end of the contest period, the site was broken down, were fired up and contacts started being logged. trailers loaded up, and a convoy made its way back to the That afternoon, a pot luck dinner was offered up, and clubhouse to put away gear until the next exercise. delicious fare was available to the 37 members that The purpose of the exercise — to test members of the participated on Saturday. San Angelo Amateur Radio Club’s ability to communicate The next morning, Hughbert Robinson/KC5NPC, locally, county-wide, state-wide and nation-wide in an event provided his famous breakfast burritos for the team, fueling of a significant natural disaster or national emergency was the members up for a final day of making contacts and achieved.

Scenes from the San Angelo Amateur Radio 2015 ARRL Field Day held June 27-28th at the corner of Sam’s Club on Sherwood Way and Southwest Blvd. Photos by David Wolfe/KA5VTG and Ken Grimm/KG5BPY

Page 4 • March 2015 www.w5qx.org www.w5qx.org March 2015 • Page 5 Lots of publicity KKCN-FM: about 10 (8 recorded PSAs and 2 live mentions) A promotional article was posted on websites for KGKL- KGKL-AM: 25 (11 community calendar mentions and 14 FM and KGKL-AM: http://975kgkl.com/san-angelo- recorded PSAs) amateur-radio-participate-in-field-day-activities/ KNRX-FM: 12 (all recorded PSAs Total public service announcement mentions by local radio KELI-FM: 27 (15 community calendar mentions and 12 stations: recorded PSAs) KGKL-FM: about 15 (10 recorded PSAs and 5 live This article ran in the local news website gosanangelo.com: mentions) http://bit.ly/1LZIEvU

Article for the 2015 Field Day that appeared in the online news site 975KGKL.com. Read the article here: http://bit.ly/1M4pzJX Page 6 • March 2015 www.w5qx.org Article for the 2015 Field Day that appeared in the online newspaper GoSanAngelo.com. Read the article here: http://bit.ly/1LZIEvU www.w5qx.org March 2015 • Page 7 Tom Green County Amateur Radio Emergency Service The Tom Green County ARES group meets the third Thursday at 7:00 p.m. (1900) of each month at the Clubhouse unless announced otherwise on the Monday net. The Tom Green County ARES group is sponsored by the San Angelo Amateur Radio Club. By Bill Hinds/KG5BQF • Looking at having a SET sometime in October • The new Section Manager for SW Texas is Ron Harden, • The next ARES Meeting will be held at 7:00pm on July KB5HGM from Abilene. (See West Texas Section News 16th at the clubhouse article on page 12)

TGC-ARES gets a new training manual Chuck and Max Dixson (K5QZQ and K5FDC) have provided the TGC-ARES members with a book “Radio Traffic Handling Training Manual.” The book is a recap of “Traffic Training” by Jo Ann Keith/KA5AZK, first written in September of 2013. Some of the topics addressed are: • What is traffic? • Why learn traffic handling? • Basic net operations • The 4 parts of a message • Many form examples, common procedures, call signals, abbreviations, and so much more! This is a must-have for members, chock full of useful and relevant information for handling traffic in a mature and professional manner. TGC-ARES thanks you, Chuck and Max!

Upcoming Hamfests/Conventions Date Event Location Information 07/18/2015 Tidelands Hamfest Texas City, TX tidelands.org 08/07/2015 South Texas Section Convention Austin, TX www.austinsummerfest.org (Austin Summerfest 2015) 10/03/2015 HamEXPO Belton, TX http://www.tarc.org/hamexpo/ 10/31/2015 South Texas Hamfest Aransas Pass, TX http://www.southtexashamfest. org Hamfests and Conventions are listed for Texas. Others may be found at http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/search.

Page 8 • March 2015 www.w5qx.org SAARC Minutes the board recommendations to deal with the bank account June 11th, 2015 • 7:30 p.m. issue be adopted. The motion was passed. The account will be closed and reopened with the president and vice president I. Meeting was called to order at 7:50 PM, the delay was as signers. due to Board action which was needed to be finished before V. A committee was formed to draft and submit to the club adjournment. amendments to the by-laws. The committee will consist of: II. Introductions of all members present and guest. Linda Wilson, Ralph Stout, Mike Dominy, Bill Hinds and III. Reports by officers: Bill E.C. reported that on June Bob Hesier. 20th the southwest section of the ARES will conduct a test VI. Tom went over the bids for insurance, at this time the of digital capabilities. Members with Winmoor, Fldigi are lowest bid is between 350 to 450 dollars. encouraged to participate in this test. The test will be at 9 Hughbert stated that we had previously authorized Tom to to 12. In August the EOC will be holding training for those execute a bid of 300 dollars, this did not happen therefore who will be working in the EOC in a disaster event. this authorization was void. Bob Hesier motioned that we Participant need to have completed 700, 100, 200, and 230 raise the limit to 850 dollars as this would cover cost of with this being reflected on their preparing Texas transcript. insurance bids, second by Linda Wilson, the motion passed. Ken reported that on June 23 he and Ralph will be speaking VII. Split the pot. 18.00 dollars in the pot which was won at STEM conference for Region 15. There will be two 75 by Tom. He donated his 9.00 dollar split back to the club. minute sessions and they will be introducing Amateur Radio 18.00 dollars to be deposited. to students. The time will be given on the 2 meter net. VIII. Field day was discussed and assignments made for A committee was formed of David Wolf, David Lewis and necessary completion. Tom along with Ken to prepare a worked all San Angelo IX. Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM event for new operators. This will be scheduled for July or August. SAARC Minutes Ken also requested a work day for the club to replace July 9th, 2015 • 7:30 PM rotten wood and other necessary work, this will be done on Saturday, July 25th. WASA will also be on that day. The meeting was called to order by Hughbert Robinson, Hughbert reported on the board asking for the resignation KC5NPC at 7:30pm. of Bob and that he walked out of the meeting without The meeting opened with the Pledge led by Matt Healy. statement, he reported the board has voted to close and Introductions followed the Pledge. reopen the checking account to protect the money. Gary Officer’s Reports: Pittman asked why membership was not in on the decision, President: Hughbert Robinson: the president advised that we did it to protect the money of •Hughbert presented the financial report as follows: the club which belongs to the membership. REGULAR CHECKING ACCOUNT Bill read the by-laws Article 3, section 4; Removal of Starting Balance $798.16 officers. A special mtg. Will be call to address this issue. To WTU Bill - 42.84 remove an officer there must first be a mailing of such intent Deposit Ins. Refund 143.00 to all members, the by-laws don not address whether or not Deposit 3 new members & postal or email, we will use email when possible. Split the pot of $18.00 78.00 A vote of 2/3 majority of the members present at the Ending Balance $976.32 meeting is required to remove an officer. David Eaton asked if the letter was notarized, Bill stated that it would RADIO ACCOUNT be. Bob H. thanked board for prompt action. Hughbert read Starting Balance $2,691.23 a synopsis of the audit report. David Lewis motioned that No activities

www.w5qx.org March 2015 • Page 9 Ending Balance $2,691.23 lock broke and could not be fixed. Currently the officers of the club have keys and if anyone needs to get into the club, • Hughbert has instituted a “three copy” system for all just contact one of the officers. club expenses and income. This will be through a tri-copy • Buddy Parker will send thank you notes to all sponsors of receipt book with the original copy to remain in the book Field Day as a permanent record; the second copy goes to the person • Buddy Parker needs all information from the Field Day presenting a receipt for reimbursement; and the third copy event to work up the report and turn in the results will be attached to the receipt and kept as a permanent record in an envelope for each month/year. INFORMATION: In accordance with SAARC Constitution and Bylaws; Article III, SECTION IV Officers may be Vice Present: David Behrend removed for cause upon a motion of two-thirds majority • The program for this evening was a debriefing on the vote of the members present at a regular or called meeting, Field Day activities. provided all members have been notified in advance by mail • David read the minutes from June 11th SAARC meeting. of the intent to do so. Treasure/Secretary: Bob Freeman – absent All members were appropriately notified of a vote to Grounds Chairman: Ralph Stout remove Bob Freeman from the position of Secretary/ • Shared with the club he had purchased two ceiling fans for Treasurer at this meeting. There were 19 full members the club after getting approval to spend the money through present at tonight’s meeting. The ballets were passed out Hughbert Robinson. This expense was less than $100 to those members present. The votes were counted by two • Ralph turned the unused funds from Field Day over to officers of the club and the members voted unanimously to Hughbert remove Bob Freeman from his office. Hughbert Robinson Emergency Coordinator: Bill Hinds then certified the vote and announced the results to the club. • Looking at having a SET sometime in October • The next ARES Meeting will be held at 7:00pm on July Motions made at the meeting 16th at the clubhouse Matt Healy made the motion to accept the financial report as • Conference on Terrorism with be held at the West Texas presented, seconded by Buddy Parker. The motion carried. Training Center on July 18th and the cost is $45 for the entire Leslie Healy made the motion to authorize Ken Grimm day. Will run from 8:00 am until 5:30pm to buy food for the club’s workday/Work all San Angelo • The new Section Manager for SW Texas is Ron Harden, Stations for July 25th, seconded by Ralph Stout. During the KB5HGM from Abilene discussion following the motion and prior to being voted Activities Manager: Ken Grimm: on, Buddy Parker submitted an amendment authorizing up • There will be a cleanup day on July 25th at the clubhouse to $50 be used for food, seconded by David Behrend. The starting at 9:00am amendment passed followed by a vote on the motion. The • “Work all San Angelo stations” will be held during the motion carried. cleanup day with hamburgers for lunch Bob Heiser made the motion to authorize Ralph Stout to • Both Ken Grimm and Ralph Stout gave a presentation for buy a new combination lock for the club with a cap of $200 STEM Section 2. There was a significant interest in Ham on the purchase, seconded by David Lewis. The motion radio by this educators’ group and they have been invited carried. back for another presentation in November Gary Pittman made the motion that Matt Healy be • The Lily Fest will be held on September 19th with a authorized to pick up the club’s mail at the post office, special event station seconded by David Behrend. The motion carried. Public Information Officer: Matt Healy The split the pot was won by Ken Grimm, he donated his • Matt gave a presentation on KLST promoting Field Day share back to the club. The total was $28.00. Ken Grimm Old Business: then donated another $20.00 to the club to general funds. • Insurance – Tom Austin and Hughbert Robinson has Matt Healy made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Leslie secured insurance for the club through Hartford Company Healy; the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at for $425 per year 8:48pm. New Business: • Discussed the key situation at the club. The combination Submitted by Matt Healy, Public Information Officer

Page 10 • March 2015 www.w5qx.org FCC speedily dismisses petitions West Texas Section News to alter Amateur Service rules News From Around West Texas Acting with near lightning speed, the FCC has dismissed Final report from Bill Roberts / W5NPR two petitions for rule making calling for separate amendments We had some light rain this morning and with heavy clouds, to the Part 97 Amateur Service rules. Willison H. Gormly, a good chance for more. It’s been a good year in West Texas WD0BCS, of Des Moines, New Mexico, filed both petitions and the Davis Mountains/Big Bend area. on June 16, and the FCC turned them away on July 1. This is my final newsletter of a four year span as West Texas Gormly had requested that the FCC amend Part 97.301(e) Section Manager. My time in that role ends at midnight. I of the rules by dividing it into separate sub-paragraphs for have enjoyed the last four years and all of the hams I have met along the way. I will always consider each of you a technician and Novice class privileges. He had also asked the personal friend, and hope our paths continue to cross. FCC to amend Part 97.305(c) to authorize spread spectrum I want to personally think each of you who served in the emissions in the 2 meter band. many appointed positions in the West Texas Section. I hope “The rule changes you propose were previously rejected by you will continue to serve the section as you have in the past. the Commission,” Scot Stone, deputy chief of the Mobility I especially want to thank Howard WB5EKW who has served as Section Emergency Coordinator throughout my Division in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, told time as Section Manager. Gormly in the FCC’s dismissal letter. “Your petitions do not Congratulations, and to some degree condolences, to demonstrate or even suggest that any relevant circumstances Ron KB5HGM who will take over the “reins” of the have changed such as to merit reconsideration of these Section, having been elected without opposition earlier decisions.” in the year. I encourage each of you to give Ron your The FCC noted that while Part 97.301(e) had been divided cooperation and support, because the role and success of any Section Manager depends on that support. Good into two paragraphs in the past, these were consolidated luck to you, Ron. when the Commission streamlined the rules in 1999. I also want to personally thank West Gulf Director David Gormly argued that the present configuration was confusing, Woolweaver K5RAV and Vice-Director John Stratton but the FCC pointed out that Part 97.301 “has been in this N5AUS for the opportunity to work with them. They make a arrangement for a number of years without any reported great team. My thanks also goes out to Steve Ewald WV1X, ARRL Headquarters, Newington, CT. He represents a life difficulty.” support system for every Section Manager in the United Regarding Gormly’s second petition, the Commission noted States! Thanks Steve! that it had sought comment in 2004 as to whether it should Lastly, I want to thank John Dyer AE5B who served as expand the bands authorized for spread spectrum to permit my “elmer”, especially during the early days of my time as such emissions on the 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 222 MHz Section Manager. He was a great teacher and reminder of bands. Agreeing with the majority of comments, the FCC what needed to be done and when! Thanks John. I also would be amiss if I left out Carla, whose roll in the ARRL subsequently determined that authorizing spread spectrum Section Booth made life a lot easier for me. was not warranted on 6 meters and 2 meters, “because of It’s been a great ride, but is time to step back and let Ron concerns over the compatibility of spread spectrum emission take us in a new direction. types and other Amateur radio operations in those bands,” Thanks again for your support and all you do for the West the FCC explained in its denial letter. Texas Section. Farewell to each of you. Hope to see you The FCC had said it was concerned about raising the noise again soon. 73, floor on the band, with potential adverse effects on so-called “weak signal” communications or “otherwise affecting ARRL West Texas Section experimentation.” The Commission also had noted that both Bill Roberts W5NPR bands are heavily used for other types of communication. Section Manager

www.w5qx.org March 2015 • Page 11 DX IS Have you heard of the British Ham Society contest, called Islands on the Air (IOTA)? The US has a similar program, but the fun comes from working a mini-DXpedition from a chunk of rock and sand that requires some forethought and planning to get to. We have Mustang Island, South Padre, etc. down along the Texas coast, easy to get to and there are State parks that you can RV into, set-up antennas, and become an instant on air celebrity. Here is a photo (see below) of a group that wandered out from the Canadian mainland to operate from Nova Scotia (NA-126). They operated there during the 2014 IOTA contest. While that is a lot work for most, these folks give you a chance to add an area of semi-contesting to your skills on the By Bill Richards, WB5ZAM radio. With summer here, there is an uptick in propagations on 6 meters. And along with that there are mini expeditions 26th of July should provide an abundance of operators from to places like E6-Niue Island, J6-St Lucia, PJ2-Curacao, all over the globe, looking to work you or anyone else with PJ5/6- St Eustatius and Saba, T4-1- Cayo Jutias (Cuba) and an appropriate antenna. Verticals and dipoles work on 6m, many others. Most have newer light weight rigs and are and if you have HOA limitations, a nice sized 6m directive looking to provide contacts on HF and also on 6m. Six is beam usually works in most attics. With very few of modern one of the magic bands, when it is open you can work almost “gadgets” still using frequencies around 50MHz, we can anywhere in the world. One summer not too long ago I was push signals into the ether and most of the time not have able to work into Japan (just like a 10m opening), to South a neighbor come knocking complaining about interference. Africa, into Western If you are wondering what 6m propagation is like, listen to Europe and all over the states. Most operate with 50 to 100 the signals below 50,080. We have one beacon locally, and watts, but ….. But back to the IOTA Contest. The 25th and we have several locals that meet regularly on 6m ssb. There

Photo of a group that wandered out from the Canadian mainland to operate from Nova Scotia (NA-126). They operated there during the 2014 IOTA contest.

Page 12 • March 2015 www.w5qx.org some easy ideas for antennas in the ARRL Handbook. I have have worked was an old RV trailer on a rock in the Arabian used a combo 2m/6m dipole, hanging from the balcony, Gulf that counted as a country for a few years, then the rules while on vacationing in J6, and it so nice to be able to not changed and it was deleted. But it still counts as an island, only work repeaters on 2m FM, but also stir up stateside on just not a country. Something else interesting to do is go to 6m cw/ssb. the Google Earth program (free, by the way) and look up If you need a list (and it is LONG) of all of the islands, some of these islands. For example, type in Abu Ail in your QRZ has one as does the RSGB. There are some islands search or in Google Earth and look at what is considered that are begging for operators to come play, and others that a country. If the ambient temp is 100F, and you are on a a good high tide will cover them. We have some island ROCK, with no shade, what do you think the temperature countries in Asia like that. The most interesting one that I is? About like West Texas in August, when you can fry an egg on the sidewalk. One group from Egypt set up on an island just in the Red Sea, and had to leave early as they did not anticipate the amount of water that they needed, and had to have one member airlifted off, due to the heat. They had the same problem on Navassa (just off of Puerto Rico/Haiti), this spring. Bernie, W3UR, says that these countries should be active the first week of July and maybe longer: 3A; 3X; J7; JW; PJ5; TJ; V4; V6; HH; HL; PJ2; IF9; TK; 9A; ES/ HC8; and don’t forget the ops from the 13 colonies will be on the 4th w/e from the original colonies. Propagation should be good the first week of the month and then fair to poor the rest of the month. But that could also mean some 6m openings. 73, 88 and good dx de WB5ZAM SCANNER JACK’S ARES frequencies: 145.270 146.430 146.500 146.520 CORNER 146.550 146.880 Here are the frequencies 147.300 for SKYWARN amateur 147.340 radio: 147.450 147.570 146.940 444.350 147.390 446.000 444.225 446.500

“Scanner” Jack Roberts KB5TMY

www.w5qx.org March 2015 • Page 13 San Angelo Amateur Radio Club Matt & Leslie’s Yummy BBQ Pineapple Chicken Ingredients: Classifieds Chicken (2 – 3 pounds, boneless or with bone, light or dark San Angelo Amateur Radio Club in no way endorses nor meat) implies the condition or usefulness of any item presented Canned Pineapple (16 oz) in its own juice, chunks or crushed here. These listings are a complimentary benefit for club Small bottle of BBQ sauce (Kraft’s Honey BBQ is sweet and members only. enhances the tartness of the pineapple) Mrs Dash spice, or similar all in one generic seasoning blend. FOR SALE 1 or 2 large baking potatoes, if desired. To all, Preparation: I have a satellite dish, that is at least 6 feet across with Get Crockpot out, turn it on high. feed horn. If anyone is interested, please contact me at 325- Wash potatoes, chop into fork sized pieces, line bottom of 656-3884. Make offer. Must take down. crockpot. 73, David Behrend KB5FNK Place chicken on top of potatoes, or on bottom of crockpot if no potatoes are used. Shake seasoning lightly over chicken. Open can of Pineapple. Strain pineapple juice into a glass. Drink juice. Place pineapple pieces evenly on top of chicken. Shake BBQ sauce bottle, then open and pour over chicken, covering chicken and pineapple. Place lid on crockpot, leave cooking on HIGH for about 1 hour to get it started, then turn crockpot down to MEDIUM for 6 to 8 hours. Smaller pieces of chicken can cook quicker, big pieces take longer; or leave on HIGH for about 4 hours. DO NOT OPEN LID OF CROCKPOT UNTIL DONE!!! Serve with an abundant helping of LOVE!!!

Let’s share a meal! Come join us for a meal and some fellowship fun! The Tom Green County hams get together regularly to eat and greet and just have some fun. The current schedule is: Wednesday, 7:30 AM T-Bears Café 2105 Knickerbocker Rd Thursday, 9:00 AM McDonald’s (Wal-Mart) 5501 Sherwood Way Saturday, 7:30 AM FOR SALE T-Bears Café MFJ-1908HD 50 Foot fiberglass telescoping pole. Great 2105 Knickerbocker Rd for portable use, but needs 2 or more people to setup and guying for full use of 50 feet. In Christoval, but can deliver. Saturday, 9:00 AM Asking $200.00 McDonald’s (Wal-Mart) de Jerry N5RV 5501 Sherwood Way

Page 14 • March 2015 www.w5qx.org HF Nets of Note By Gary Chaffin/W5ETJ Net Days Local Time Dial Concho Valley Ragchew Net S-M-T-W-T-F-S 0600 1900* Concho Valley Ragchew Net S-M-T-W-T-F-S 1700 3825** 7290 Traffic Net M-T-W-T-F-S 1000-1200 7290 7290 Traffic Net M-T-W-T-F 1300-1400 7290 Texas Traffic Net S-M-T-W-T-F-S 1830-1930 3873 Central Gulf Coast Hurricane Net S-M-T-W-T-F-S 1900-2000 3935 Texas ARES Net Monday 1930-2000 3873 Big Bend Emergency Net Sunday 0830-0930 3922 Texas Trader’s Net Sunday 0900-1000 7245 Concho Valley 6 M Roundtable Sunday 2100 50.135 * Alternate frequency: 3825. ** 7212, or close, for summer months.

San Angelo ON THE NET Amateur Radio www.csvhfs.org — Central States VHF Society k5wph.org — Sun City ARC K5WPH Yahoo Group www.w5es.org — El Paso ARC W5ES k5elp.com — West Texas Rptr Assn, K5ELP www.hamradioelpaso.com — New web site in El Paso Yahoo Group for all hams www.bigbendarc.com — Big Bend ARC, Alpine TX www.w5qgg.org — Midland ARC, Midland TX By Ralph Stout KE5ULE K5LIB.org — Lubbock ARC, Lubbock, TX Join this Yahoo group made for all hams! Fully functional hamradio.noaa.gov — United States Skywarn with pictures, calendar, files section and link section. wx.findu.com/k5wph — SCARC’s WX Sta From the site: “Welcome to the San Angelo Amateur Radio dx.qsl.net/propagation/index.html — Flare/MUF info Group! spaceweather.com — Aurora, sun spots, CMEs All ham radio operators are welcome to join the group, www.irlp.net — Internet Radio Linking Project upload files, links and photos. Be sure to check the calendar irlp.g4eid.co.uk/status/all_reflectors.html — Shows for upcoming events. status of all reflectors All are welcome to use this group to discuss Amateur www.sota.org.uk — Summits on the Air Radio, share tips and promote Amateur Radio in San Angelo www.w5qx.org — San Angelo ARC, San Angelo, TX and the surrounding area.” www.abilenehams.org — Abilene ARC, Abilene, TX This is a restricted group that requires approval for www.orgsites.com/tx/w5wx — Panhandle ARC, membership, and messages require approval for posting. Amarillo, TX Go here for more information and to join! https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/saarg76903/info

www.w5qx.org March 2015 • Page 15 International Lily Fest September 2015

Membership renewals are due each January. Regular memberships: $20, Each additional family member: $5; Seniors (age 65+) and Juniors (under age 19): $10, Renewal package deal: 5 years for $80, Associate members: $20 Dues may be paid to the secretary at any club meeting or mailed to the club’s post office box.

Page 16 • March 2015 www.w5qx.org